TfL's 'refusal on funds has delayed bridge'

Hard slog: work on Albert Bridge should have finished this summer but the new completion date is set for December

Transport for London was today accused of holding back funds for work on the restoration of Albert Bridge.

Kensington and Chelsea council officials say TfL refused to pay for staff to work longer hours on the project which has closed the bridge to traffic for 18 months and caused major travel disruption.

Deputy leader Nicholas Paget-Brown said severe weather last winter and worse than expected corrosion had set it back, adding: "We are working around the clock to get the bridge completed as soon as possible.

"Last year the council asked TfL if they would pay towards longer working hours on the bridge but they declined to do so."

But Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer for surface transport at TfL, blamed the council, saying: "We are urging the council to work longer hours but there are issues with residents and noise. We are pushing them to get this work done."

TfL provides 75 per cent of funding for the work which had been due to be completed this summer. The finishing date has been pushed back to December.